🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong results in their final games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong results in their final games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.